Definition

1. Adverb:

   • So, thus, that way: Used to refer to a manner, situation, or state that has just been mentioned, is being discussed, or is immediately apparent. It means "in that way" or "like that."
   • Therefore, so, then: Used to introduce a conclusion or consequence based on what was just stated. It means "for that reason" or "as a result."
   • (In questions): Used at the end of a question, often paired with interrogative words like ai (who), gì (what), sao (why/how), to emphasize a request for specific information about the current situation. It adds a sense of "then" or "in that case."

2. Particle:

   • (At sentence end): Used to express resignation, acceptance, or a concluding decision, often translated as "then" or left untranslated. It softens a statement or suggestion.
   • (At sentence end, literary): Used for emphasis in affirmative or exclamatory statements, reinforcing the conclusion.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (so, like that):
  • Đừng làm vậy. (Don't do it like that.)
  • "Tôi mệt." – "Vậy bạn nên nghỉ ngơi." ("I'm tired." – "Then you should rest.")
  • Anh ấy nói vậy thôi, đừng tin. (He just said that, don't believe it.)
• Adverb (in questions):
  • Chuyện gì vậy? (What's going on? / What's the matter then?)
  • Tại sao vậy? (Why is that? / Why so?)
• Particle (resignation/conclusion):
  • Thôi, vậy cũng được. (Alright then, that's fine too.)
  • Nếu không còn cách nào khác, tôi đồng ý vậy. (If there's no other way, I agree then.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nếu vậy" / "Như vậy": If so / Like that, in that case.
  • "Tôi không thể đến." – "Nếu vậy, chúng ta sẽ hủy cuộc họp." ("I can't come." – "If so, we will cancel the meeting.")
• "Thế vậy?": Is that so? Really? (Expressing surprise or seeking confirmation).
  • Anh đã nghỉ việc thế vậy? (You quit your job, is that so?)
• "Vậy mà": Yet, but still (introducing a contrast with an expected result).
  • Trời mưa to, vậy mà anh ấy vẫn đi. (It was raining heavily, yet he still went.)

Variants and Related Words

• Như vậy (adv): Thus, in that manner, so. Often used interchangeably with but can sound slightly more formal or explicit.
  • Mọi việc đã kết thúc như vậy. (Everything ended like that.)
• Bởi vậy (conj): Therefore, for that reason.
  • Anh ấy rất chăm chỉ, bởi vậy anh ấy thành công. (He is very hardworking, therefore he is successful.)

Synonyms

• Thus: In the way now being indicated.
• So: To such a degree; therefore.
• Then: After that; next; in that case.
• That way: In the manner mentioned.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Biết vậy: Had I/we known (expressing regret).
  • Biết vậy, tôi đã không đến. (Had I known, I wouldn't have come.)
• Đành vậy: Have to accept it, must be content with that (expressing reluctant acceptance).
  • Giá hơi cao, nhưng cũng đành vậy. (The price is a bit high, but we'll have to accept it.)
• Thôi vậy: Let it be, that's it then (expressing a decision to end or accept something).
  • Anh không muốn nghe à? Thôi vậy. (You don't want to listen? Fine then.)

adv

1. so, thus, that